On Wednesday, a startup announced TimeCapsule, a new $20 battery case purported to extend Apple AirTag battery life from one year to 10 years.
The TimeCapsule case, created by Elevation Lab, requires users to remove their AirTag’s original back plate and battery, then place the Apple device onto contact points inside the waterproof enclosure.
The CNC-machined aluminum case is aimed at users who place AirTags in vehicles, boats, or other applications where regular battery changes prove impractical.
It’s important to note that we cannot verify these battery life claims without independent testing, but using larger lithium batteries to extend lifespan makes technical sense.
On an interesting Hacker News thread, the TimeCapsule device sparked discussion about balancing convenience with size.
TimeCapsule, a new $20 battery case that a startup announced on Wednesday, is said to increase the lifespan of Apple AirTag batteries from one year to ten years. The product extends the power capacity of the Bluetooth-based location tracker by substituting two AA batteries for the conventional CR2032 coin cell battery.
Users must take off the original back plate and battery from their AirTag before placing the Apple device onto contact points inside the waterproof enclosure of the TimeCapsule case, which was developed by Elevation Lab. According to the company, Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA batteries offer 14 times the power capacity of the stock coin cell battery configuration.
The CNC-machined aluminum case is intended for users who install AirTags in boats, cars, or other locations where changing the batteries on a regular basis is not feasible. The TimeCapsule is sold by the company on both its website and Amazon.
The TimeCapsule’s product page states that the add-on case developed after its creator realized their AirTag had died months earlier from a dead battery after losing their camera equipment to theft. A more durable power source for the tracking devices was created as a result of this experience.
Although independent testing is necessary to confirm these battery life claims, it makes technical sense to use larger lithium batteries to increase lifespan. We ordered a unit to test ourselves, but the company has not disclosed any specific technical specifications regarding power consumption rates or testing procedures.
Do you want to make your own battery extension?
A fascinating Hacker News thread discussed how to balance size and convenience in relation to the TimeCapsule device. Some users noted particular use cases where the longer battery life may outweigh size concerns (such as in bags or vehicles), even though the TimeCapsule’s larger form factor makes it impractical for keys or pet tags.
While some commenters questioned the anti-theft apps, others expressed concern that TimeCapsule might facilitate stalking. They pointed out that AirTags, a privacy feature that also acts as an anti-stalking measure, alert nearby iPhones when they are separated from their owner. Following a 2023 system update, Android phones can now automatically identify nearby AirTags.
Some commenters noted that dummy CR2032 extensions that connect to external battery packs might be used by do-it-yourselfers who are handy to construct a similar device. In any case, this is an intriguing hack that might increase the utility of AirTags in specific situations.
